Mala Boom, Chinese restaurant in the 11th arrondissement, Paris, France
Mala Boom is a Chinese restaurant on Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. The space is small and simply furnished, with the food taking center stage.
The restaurant was opened by Caroline Baerten, who drew on her experience in Brussels to bring authentic Sichuan cooking to Paris. It is considered the first place in the city to serve málà xiāngguō.
Málà xiāngguō is a dish from the Sichuan province of China, known for its intense heat. It is made with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices cooked together in a bold, spiced broth.
The restaurant opens in the evenings and works well for a casual dinner without a reservation. Since the space fills up quickly, arriving early is a good idea, especially on weekends.
When ordering, guests can choose their own ingredients and spice level, much like building a dish from a counter. This hands-on approach is a core part of how málà xiāngguō is traditionally served.
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